Scotland Under-21 midfielder Jay Fulton believes a successful loan-spell at Oldham Athletic can be the key to firing him onto success at club and international level.

The former Falkirk star signed for Premier League giants Swansea City in 2014 and has been farmed out to the English League One club to gain more first-team experience.

Fulton has started the last three games for Oldham and is one of a number of players in Ricky Sbragia’s Under-21 team gaining regular first-team football whilst out on loan. He believes that sharpness could prove crucial as the country prepares for European Qualifying home fixtures against France and Iceland at Pittodrie.

Talking to the Scottish FA, Fulton said: “I’ve enjoyed my time at Oldham so far. I’ve been here two weeks and I’ve already played three games. We’ve drawn all three so that just shows you how tight the league is!

“I’m here to try and get as many games as I can. Then I’ll go back to Swansea and have a chat about where we are again.

“If everyone is used to playing first team football and if they are getting minutes under their belts they’ll be ready for these games against France and Iceland. It can really help the team.”

Scotland got their qualifying campaign off to the ideal start with a 2-1 win in Northern Ireland last month. Fulton knows the upcoming double-header in Aberdeen will be tough but remains confident:

“The game before we got the three points and with the next two games at home we’ll be looking to get good results. We do that and we’ll be in a great position.

“Any game you play at this level will be difficult. We know how tricky France will be but we’re confident we can get something from the game.”

Fulton has been no stranger to going up against international class opponents since signing for Garry Monk’s side a year ago. Last season saw the 21-year old star for Swansea against the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool - experiences he’s keen to savour again.

He added: “The players I’m playing with at Swansea are top internationals, as are the players I’m playing against. Whenever you get experiences like that you just want more. Hopefully this loan move will allow me to get some games under my belt and go back as a better player.

“The way the (Garry Monk) does things, he likes to get any advantage he can so the stuff like the sleeping pods was to help recovery. He’s like that with most things and with me he’s been excellent.”